In the fifties after many failed attempts to sell his songs, he finally was signed up with Capitol Records and recorded a few rock and roll songs without much chart success. Just before he was drafted into the Army, he wrote a song called 'The All American Boy' and did a demo for his friend, Bill Parsons, to learn and record it. Instead of using the version Bill Parsons did later, the record company, Fraternity Records, decided to use the original demo done by Bobby Bare. The record reached number 2 on the Billboard Top 100, but it was wrongly credited to Bill Parsons.
His real big break came when RCA boss and guitarist Chet Atkins signed him to the RCA label. The first song he released on this label, 'Shame On Me', sold nearly a million copies and pushed Bobby Bare to fame overnight. His second RCA release, 'Detroit City' won him a Grammy for the best song of the year. Then a surge of hits followed, including '500 Miles Away From Home', 'Four Strong Winds' and others. He has also recorded two very successful albums with Skeeter Davis and has also dueted with Lacy J. Dalton and Rosanne Cash and additionally had a major hit as part of a trio with Norma Jean (singer) and Liz Anderson in 1967 titled 'The Game of Triangles'.
He moved to Mercury label in 1970 and had two big hits from early Kris Kristofferson compositions, 'Come Sundown' and 'Please Don't Tell Me How The Story Ends' before returning to RCA label where he produced his own records. Later Bare moved to CBS label and in 1979, he helped establish Rosanne Cash's career by singing with her on "No Memories Hangin' Round". Bare's singles for Columbia Records included 'The Jogger', 'Tequila Sheila', 'Gotta Get Rid Of This Band', 'When Hippies Get Older' and 'Numbers'. He later recorded for EMI with little success.
Bobby Bare is a versatile singer, and in the 70s started to release novelty songs recorded live with selected audiences. One of such songs, 'Marie Laveau' about a witch, reached the number one position on the country chart. This song was written by his friend, a very talented song writer, poet, author and cartoonist Shel Silverstein. He also penned many other songs for Bobby Bare including a Grammy nominated hit called 'Daddy What If' which he recorded with his five year old son, Bobby Bare Jr, who later became a star on his own. Bobby Bare later recorded a very successful album with his family and penned mainly by Shel called 'Singing in The Kitchen'. It was nominated for best group category in Grammy Awards but was declined by Bobby himself.
He later took chances recording strange, controversial material as 'Dropkick Me Jesus (Through The Goalposts Of Life)' (a 1976 Grammy nominee) and the expletive-driven 'Redneck Hippie Romance' with much success.
Bobby Bare is also the first to come up with a concept album called 'Bird Named Yesterday' which was very successful. His most successful concept album is 'Lullaby Legends and Lies'.
Bobby Bare was also given an opportunity to star in the movies. He did a Western with Troy Donahue called A Distant Trumpet, and a few episodes of a TV series called No Time for Sergeants. He turned his back on Hollywood to pursue his career in Country Music.
In 1998 he formed the band Old Dogs together with his friends Jerry Reed, Mel Tillis and Waylon Jennings.
In addition to the above, Bobby Bare is credited for introducing Waylon Jennings to RCA. He is also one of the first to record from many well known song writers such as Jack Clement, Harlan Howard, Billy Joe Shaver, Mickey Newberry, Tom T. Hall, Kris Kristofferson, and many others. He later had a TV series called 'Bobby Bare & Friends, A Song Writer Showcase'. Recently, he has recorded a new album after over 20 years called 'The Moon Was Blue' produced by his son. His son, Bobby Bare, Jr., is also a musician.
Houston
Bobby Bare Lyrics
Jump to: Overall Meaning ↴ Line by Line Meaning ↴
I'm a face without a name just a walking in the rain
A going back to Houston Houston Houston
I got holes in both of my shoes well I'm a walking case of the blues
Saw a dollar yesterday but the wind blew it away
A going back to Houston Houston Houston
I haven't eaten in about a week I'm so hungry when I walk I squeak
A going back to Houston Houston Houston
A going back to Houston Houston Houston
I got a girl waitin' there for me well at least she said she'd be
I got a home and big warm bed and a feather pillow for my head
A going back to Houston Houston Houston
Well it's lonesome in this ol' town
A going back to Houston Houston Houston
The lyrics of Bobby Bare's song "Houston" depict a sense of loneliness, despair, and a longing to return to a better place. The singer feels isolated and unappreciated in the town he is currently in, where people seem to disregard him. He describes himself as a face without a name, aimlessly wandering in the rain. The repetition of "going back to Houston" emphasizes his strong desire to return to the city where he believes things will be better.
The singer's hardships are further emphasized as he mentions having holes in his shoes and being a walking case of the blues. He describes a moment where he saw a dollar, but it slipped away with the wind, highlighting his struggle to hold onto any sort of stability or fortune. The mention of his hunger and lack of friends adds to his sadness and desperation. Despite his hardships, he clings to the idea that going back to Houston will provide him with a new beginning, a chance to reunite with a girl who may or may not be waiting for him, and a place he can call home with comfort and peace.
The song captures the universal themes of loneliness, searching for purpose, and the longing for a place that feels like home. It speaks to the human desire for connection, stability, and a sense of belonging. "Houston" portrays the singer as a sympathetic figure who is hopeful that returning to a familiar place will lead to a better future.
Line by Line Meaning
Well it's lonesome in this ol' town everybody puts me down
It feels lonely in this town, as everyone belittles me and criticizes me constantly.
I'm a face without a name just a walking in the rain
I feel anonymous and insignificant, just aimlessly walking in the rain.
A going back to Houston Houston Houston
I'm heading back to Houston, my safe haven and a place where I belong.
I got holes in both of my shoes well I'm a walking case of the blues
My shoes are worn out with holes, symbolizing my constant sadness and depression.
Saw a dollar yesterday but the wind blew it away
I had some money briefly, but I lost it due to unfortunate circumstances.
A going back to Houston Houston Houston
I'm still determined to return to Houston, despite my financial setbacks.
I haven't eaten in about a week I'm so hungry when I walk I squeak
I have been starving for a week, to the point where my hunger causes me to make squeaking sounds while walking.
Nobody calls me friend it's sad the shape I'm in
I am lacking close friendships, and it saddens me to see the state I am in.
A going back to Houston Houston Houston
Despite my loneliness and hunger, I still have hope that returning to Houston will improve my situation.
I got a girl waitin' there for me well at least she said she'd be
I have a girl who claims to be waiting for me in Houston, although I'm unsure if she will truly be there.
I got a home and big warm bed and a feather pillow for my head
In Houston, I have a comfortable home with a warm bed and a soft pillow, offering me solace and comfort.
A going back to Houston Houston Houston
Despite my uncertainties, the thought of returning to Houston with its promised comforts motivates me to keep going.
Well it's lonesome in this ol' town
Once again, I emphasize how lonely and isolated I feel in this current town.
A going back to Houston Houston Houston
The repetition of my determination to return to Houston reflects the significance and importance this place holds for me.
Lyrics © Universal Music Publishing Group
Written by: LEE HAZLEWOOD
Lyrics Licensed & Provided by LyricFind